What is there to do in the Cayman Islands?

Top sights in the Cayman Islands

Although the Cayman Islands' most popular attractions are its beaches, that doesn't mean there isn't plenty more beyond the white sands for you to discover. If you can tear yourself away from the stunning stretches of pristine sand for a day or two, you could visit some of the following sites.

Bodden Town — The former capital of the Cayman Islands is very different to the bustling George Town and certainly worth a visit if you're staying on Grand Cayman. There are several notable landmarks here, including Pedro St James House (now a museum), Mission House (one of the islands' oldest buildings) and Pirate Caves, which is allegedly where buccaneers hid their treasure in years gone by.

George Town — In addition to its busy malls and bustling restaurants, George Town is home to a few cultural attractions, such as the Cayman National Museum, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and the Elmslie Memorial Church.

Stingray City — This spot on Grand Cayman's coast is where you can interact with gentle stingrays in shallow water. Snorkelling is the best way to see them.

Cayman Brac Lighthouse — The brac (bluff) after which this island is named is home to a lighthouse. You'll have spectacular views if you climb to the top.

Bat Cave — This is just one of several caves on Cayman Brac. As its name suggests, it's home to lots of bats and is an interesting place to explore.

Owen Island — Situated off the coast of Little Cayman, this isle is a deserted paradise where you can while away a few hours in the sun.

Water sports to have a go at

As with much of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is a wonderful place for water sports, with a host of activities on offer through the resorts and independent centres. One of the most popular water activities here is scuba diving, with all three islands boasting outstanding dive sites, although the best are generally considered to be located around Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, particularly in the latter's protected area, the Bloody Bay Marine Park.

If you're not ready to take the big plunge, you can still discover some of the Caribbean's wonderful marine life close to the surface, as there are countless spots in these islands that are perfect for snorkelling.

The reliable winds that buffet the coastline throughout the year also mean that you can try the likes of sailing and kitesurfing during a holiday in the Cayman Islands. When it comes to kitesurfing, beginners will find plenty of shallow lagoons where they can master the basics.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are two more of your options and these are especially great if you'd like to explore a little more of the coastline around your resort. For something a little faster paced, you can hire a jetski or have a go at parasailing, while a banana boat ride is always a lot of fun for groups of friends and families.

Land-based activities in the Cayman Islands

Should you wish to discover more than just the Cayman Islands' gorgeous beaches; you'll be pleased to learn there are several land-based pursuits you can enjoy. One of the most popular options is to go hiking in some of the archipelago's protected areas.

On Grand Cayman, for instance, you can walk through ancient woodland and mangrove forests, as well as along stunning coastal stretches. There is a lot of fascinating wildlife to look out for, including blue iguanas and frigate birds.

Cayman Brac is perhaps the best place for hiking, though, with routes that will lead you to the top of the impressive brac (or bluff) that stands some 140 ft above the sea. There are numerous inland and coastal trails crisscrossing this isle.

If you'd like to cover a little more ground, horseback riding is another of your options, although many of these excursions stick to coastal trails. It's an incredible feeling to gallop along a deserted stretch of sand, though.

Of course, you can simply make the most of the Cayman Islands' sunny, warm weather by finding a spot on a beautiful beach, lying back on your towel and soaking up the sunshine, with a good book in hand.

Unwind and relax

Spending time on any of the Cayman Islands' pristine beaches is bound to soothe your soul, with little more than the break of the waves and the rustling of the palm trees to distract you. However, if you need a little more pampering or want some help unwinding, you'll find what you're looking for in the destination's many spas, most of which you will find located inside hotels.

There are several wellness centres, including the ones found within resorts, so if you're after a few treatments during your trip, look into hotels that have their own spas when you're booking your Cayman Islands escape.

Yoga is also a popular activity in the Cayman Islands and with various yoga studios dotted across the islands, you're bound to find somewhere to relax and let go of all the stress and strain of life at home, while enjoying a good stretch.

Excursions and Attractions

As the largest and most cosmopolitan of the three Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman has a myriad of sights and attractions for tourists to explore. George Town and West Bay are amongst the most visited areas on the island, but there is so much more to discover...

This memorable tour of Cayman Brac will enable you to view this beautiful island through the eyes of its inhabitants. Known as "Brackers", these friendly local people are more than happy to share their homeland and experiences with visitors....

Among the three Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is the largest and most visited, offering a vast array of activities for visitors. This tour will enable you to explore the less developed East End of the island, where you can learn about the native wildlife...

Spend a day exploring the charming city of George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands, during your Caribbean holiday. Located on the western side of Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands, this is one of the most popular stop-off ports in the...

Cayman Islands News

Kimpton's first Caribbean property, Seafire, is now open in Grand Cayman. Located on the beautiful Seven Mile Beach, the resort takes its name from the beach's well-known sunsets. The resort features 266 guest rooms and suites, with most overlooking the Caribbean. There are also 62 residential units with full access to Seafire's numerous amenities.

The government of the Cayman Islands is planning to construct a brand new $150 million cruise ship pier. The government must issue a RFP (requests for proposals) for its development by March, 2017, and an engineering consultant has already carried out an environmental impact assessment. The cruise facility is planned for George Town Harbour in the capital on the island of Grand Cayman.

TEN Arquitectos have revealed the design of a new $250 million mixed-use luxury resort in the Cayman Islands. The resort is being built at St James Point in Grand Cayman by Beach Bay Land Limited on 16 acres, and will include a 1,000-foot private beach, a hotel with 200 guest rooms and 90 residential units.